Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 358: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether the €900 million promised for disabilities will only amount to the equivalent of €250 million after staff and administration charges have been deducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10390/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As part of budget 2005, I announced a special disability multi-annual funding package with a total value of close to €900 million over the years 2006-09. While this package includes guaranteed additional current spending of almost €600 million, it also includes capital spending of €300 million.

The bulk of the new funding package will go to the health sector where it will be invested in services for persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism, services for persons with physical or sensory disabilities and mental health services. It will focus, in particular, on the provision of extra residential, respite and day places, extra home support and personal assistance, and extra places in community based mental health facilities.

The balance of the disability funding package is being allocated between the Departments of Education and Science, Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Office of Public Works where the funding will be used to enhance education services for adults with disabilities and expand pre-school provision; support projects which demonstrate an innovative and cost-effective approach to service provision and improve accessibility to public buildings and amenities.

Services in the disability area are particularly labour intensive, relying on highly trained and skilled staff for their effective provision. It is only to be expected, therefore, that a high proportion of the current expenditure involved will relate to staffing. It will be a matter for the service providers to ensure that the programmes are implemented in a manner which will ensure effectiveness, efficiency and value for money.